Norway win against Georgia not enough

Norway missed out on their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in devastating circumstances as their convincing defeat of Georgia was not enough to prevent Group 6 hosts France overtaking them on goal difference.

Martin Rønning struck twice before the break but France's 6-0 lead over Belarus meant they had turned a two-goal deficit to Norway into a similar lead. Although Sharesh Ahmad claimed a hat-trick in the last eight minutes, France's elite round record 9-0 win meant Norway ended two goals short after an unbeaten campaign.

"We feel cheated," said Norway coach Øyvind Nilsen. "We recorded a big win today, but France eliminate us thanks to an even largest victory – 9-0; that's unbelievable. We played boldly, worked very hard and we almost made it." The best team go through, Nilsen added, a view echoed by Georgia counterpart Koba Zhorzhikashvili – though only just.

Georgia actually dominated the early stages, with several drives down the left flank, but failed to make their pressure count. Then Norway scored with their first real chance, Rønning curling in a 27th-minute free-kick after the lively Ohi Kwoeme was fouled. Just before the break Rønning had another with a shot from the edge of the box into the far top corner.

Norway still needed more and had the better second-half chances despite Georgia's possession. The third did not arrive until the 72nd minute, Ahmadi heading in Lars Kallevik's corner. Ahmadi's second was similar, Ole Kristian Selnæs this time sending in the ball, and he had his hat-trick in added time after a Kwoeme shot was parried by Gabriel Tebidze into his path.

Norway desperately pushed for the two further goals they needed but at the final whistle slumped to the floor as France's success was confirmed.